Mineral Sciences | Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

Smithsonian Institution

Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

Scientists in the Department of Mineral Sciences seek to understand the evolution of the Earth and Solar System by studying samples from environments ranging from the mantle to mine drainages, from volcanic arcs to the asteroid belt. The department is home to world-class collections of rocks, minerals, meteorites, and gems, as well as the instruments our scientists use to study these specimens in detail.

Featured Content

Global Volcanism Program

The Global Volcanism Program seeks to document, understand, and disseminate information about global volcanic activity. Its weekly and monthly reports provide scientists with a record of ongoing eruptions they can use to guide research and hazard management related to volcanoes.

Volcano erupting with lava streaming down the side. A forest is at its foot and the eruption is reflected in a dark lake.

Using the Collections

Our collection of over 600,000 specimens is available for study by researchers worldwide. Find specimens and request a loan using the links below.

Access the Collections

Collections Overview

Samples Requests & Loan Policy

Reference Materials

Collection Highlights

A blue diamond necklace on a blue background

Fluorite gems

Instrumentation

Four element maps from the electron microprobe

Electron microprobe

Backscatter image of chalcophanite crystals

Scanning electron microscope

Melt inclusions in an olivine wafer

Fourier-transform infrared spectrometer

Research Support Facilities